The Detroit Tigers currently lead the American League Central, holding a six-game advantage over the Cleveland Guardians, largely thanks to the exceptional performance of Tarik Skubal. Regarded by many as the “Tarik Skubal best pitcher baseball,” he has firmly established himself through dominant pitching that has drawn widespread recognition from scouts and executives alike.
Skubal’s Rise and Unmatched 2024 Performance
Skubal’s journey from an underrated prospect to a leading figure in baseball pitching ranks has been remarkable. After showing promise in 2022 and 2023, his breakout in 2024 was spectacular. He posted a 2.39 ERA and earned a league-leading 228 strikeouts, leading all pitchers with a 6.4 bWAR and a 174 ERA+. This outstanding performance won him a unanimous American League Cy Young Award, solidifying his status at the sport’s highest level.
Continuing his dominance into the 2025 season, no serious observers dispute his claim as the best pitcher in baseball today. His command on the mound and his ability to generate strikeouts have not only helped the Tigers maintain their position atop their division but also positioned him as a player to watch in the coming seasons.
Scouts and Executives Praise Skubal’s Elite Arsenal
According to a Baseball America poll of scouts and executives, Skubal received significant recognition for his pitching tools. He ranked among the top three in the American League for two critical pitches: his fastball and changeup. Remarkably, while his fastball ranks third in effectiveness, it is not the primary pitch he relies upon.
Used only 28 percent of the time, Skubal’s fastball consistently reaches the high 90s and occasionally touches 100 mph. Opponents have managed just a .201 batting average and a .322 slugging percentage against it this season, placing the pitch in the 98th percentile for Fastball Run Value. Yet, it is the changeup that stands above the rest.
Skubal’s Changeup: A Game-Changer on the Mound
The changeup, thrown 32.1 percent of the time, is Skubal’s most frequently used pitch and arguably the finest in baseball. It has generated 95 of his 187 strikeouts this season, outpacing the 55 strikeouts earned via his fastball. Batters have recorded just a .161 average with a .231 slugging percentage when facing his changeup, underscoring its effectiveness.
“Next. Tarik. Mid-Season AL Cy Young Winner: Tarik Skubal.” —dark
This pitch boasts an extraordinary 47.6 percent whiff rate and a 31.5 percent put-away rate, marking it as one of the premier strikeout offerings in the game. Its Offspeed Run Value ranks in the 100th percentile, reflecting its elite ability to deceive hitters and disrupt timing consistently.
Command and Control Fuel Skubal’s Success
Beyond velocity and movement, Skubal’s precise control distinguishes him further. In 2024, he maintained a walk rate of 1.6 BB/9 with a strikeout rate of 10.7 K/9. This year, he has improved on those numbers, reducing his walks per nine innings to 1.3 and increasing strikeouts to 11.6 per nine innings. His walk rate ranks in the 99th percentile, demonstrating his exceptional ability to limit free passes and maintain pressure.
Combining his power pitches and pinpoint control, Skubal was voted the best pitcher in the American League by the group of experts surveyed. While the poll focused on American League pitchers, his skill set would likely place him among the top pitchers across both leagues.
Implications for the Detroit Tigers and Baseball’s Future
Skubal’s continued dominance is crucial for the Detroit Tigers’ championship aspirations, as his presence on the mound strengthens their lead in the AL Central. His elite pitching arsenal and control indicate he is poised to remain a dominant force for years, potentially adding more Cy Young Awards to his resume and inspiring a new standard for pitching excellence in baseball.